AAPI Victory Alliance
Forcing the move of proposed NYC Chinatown jail
Forcing the move of Riker's Island jail will preserve the historical nature of NYC Chinatown
Posted August 3, 2022
Background & Context
The move of the jail to Chinatown would cause further economic decline to already ravaged "Asia-towns" decimated during the pandemic. Additionally, given the still rising hate and violence in the AAPI community particularly against East Asian's, the move of the jail sends a signal to already vulnerable populations that their voices and communities do not matter. This issue has much attention locally, however, we would like to assist in nationalizing the issue of the Chinatown jail.
Background links:
https://www.curbed.com/2021/12/museum-of-chinese-in-america-protests.html
https://epicenter-nyc.com/chinatown-rallies-against-proposed-mega-jail/
Immediate Problem
We would like Mayor Adams to not the move of the jail to Chinatown.
Work & Deliverables
We would like a law student to research the legal avenues for preventing the city from building a new jail facility in Chinatown. Legal, economic, and political pressure is already underway, and we would like this research to support and build off the work already done. The aim is to empower the community and protect the culture and heritage in this neighborhood, while also preventing the increased incarceration rates that come from focusing resources on jails rather than social services.
The final work product would be a research memo presenting options to use the legal system to resist the building of this jail.
Preparation Phase
- Meet with supervisor to discuss project and expectations
Collaboration Phase
- Conduct independent research, including of legal challenges already underway
Wrap Up
- Prepare final memo and present to staff
AAPI Victory Alliance
Formerly known as AAPI Progressive Action, AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels. AAPI Victory Alliance will house the first-ever AAPI think tank.
AAPI Victory Alliance
Formerly known as AAPI Progressive Action, AAPI Victory Alliance works to build Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) political power across the country by providing education on progressive issues; creating and advocating for policies that affect our communities; and building alliances with organizations to help AAPIs exert their power and be the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels. AAPI Victory Alliance will house the first-ever AAPI think tank.